As Be At One continues its expansion plans, the bar operator has secured a site in Bournemouth, Dorset, which is the second on the south coast for the brand.

The group, which currently operates 32 UK venues, has completed a deal on a site on Richmond Hill next to the city’s market square and short distance from the seafront. Be At One’s other south coast site is in Brighton.

The new venue is on the site of a former nightclub, with basement trading space and initial capacity for 200 guests. The site will undergo an extensive refurbishment before opening in August with its new Be At One identity. Recruitment for the site is now underway, with the cocktail specialist set to recruit and train 12 new staff.

Be At One was founded by Steve Locke, Rhys Oldfield and Leigh Miller (pictured) in 1998. Locke said, “We’re really excited to have secured this prominent site in Bournemouth, as it’s a location that has long been on our target list.

“It’s a vibrant city that has benefitted from significant investment in recent times which, in turn, has brought a great buzz to the centre from locals and tourists alike.

“We’re deliberately creating quite an intimate space that will help generate the unique atmosphere that we’re renowned for. We’re eager to get the site open as we move into summer and expect a busy few months ahead.”